Sheffield Thirds.............0 Otliensians..................2

OTLIENSIANS travelled to Sheffield for a top-of-the-table clash. After the long Christmas break Otley began as if they had never been away. Playing on a frosty pitch with the sun in their eyes, Otliensians took an early lead through a neat pass from Sue Mott to Hannah Holmes, whose flick towards goal was finished off by Sue Parry. Sheffield responded with numerous attacks but the Otliensians' defence stood firm.

On the stroke of half-time, a hit-out from Maggie Joce found Holmes on the halfway line. With the ball under close control, Holmes beat the first defender then drew the last defender and slipped it into the path of Becky Lister who deftly placed the ball past the rushing goalkeeper.

Sheffield started the second-half with gusto with attack upon attack. Sound defence by Otley kept them at bay. A good performance by newly positioned Diane Coates thwarted any Sheffield attack down the left. Otliensian's clean sheet was kept intact by some good goalkeeping by Joanie Atkinson.

Overall a solid team performance has kept them in the top slot. Player-of-the-Match points went to Diane Coates and Joanie Atkinson.

l On Saturday Otliensians entertain Doncaster Independents to try and avenge a defeat earlier in the season.

Otliensians Seconds.............3 HuddERSfield Ladies............2

At the start of this match both teams were level in the league and were keen to win to keep clear of the relegation zone. It was always going to be a competitive match and they were not disappointed. Otliensians got off to a fine start when they were awarded a penalty corner in the opening minutes of the game. Ros Stringwell pushed the ball out to Stella Stenton who quickly controlled the ball and slipped it to Sue Trainor who had a good shot across the face of the goal and a quick reacting Claire Brook hit the ball in the net.

The game continued to flow end to end but Otliensians always had the edge at this stage. Eventually with some skilful manoeuvring around the opposition Judith Ullock scored Otliensian's second goal.

In the second-half Huddersfield began with renewed vigour and relentlessly pressurised the Otliensians' goal. Stand-in goalkeeper Nicky Hawley did her best to fend off these attacks but was unable to do so when an unmarked player slipped the ball past her. This gave Huddersfield the lift they needed and when minutes later they were awarded a penalty corner they made no mistake in putting the ball in the net. Not to be outdone Otliensians stepped up a gear, they were determined to win this match.

Some fine defensive work from Joy Marston, Becky Caisley and Jane Girt made sure Huddersfield did not get the chance to score again. With minutes of the game left Otliensians were ecstatic when after numerous attacks on the Huddersfield goal Claire Brook was in a great position to score and seal the game.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable match with the whole team playing superbly but Player-of-the-Match points went to Claire Brook.

l On Saturday the second team visit Studley Royal at Ripon and will play on grass. (Please meet at 12.15pm).